<p>So for one of my essays, I started off for example like:
For many, a sport is a way to <em>, it provides sanctuary for some, and _</em> for others. And then I shift to "I" and "me", is that okay? Or should I change the many, some, others to more personal things with I and me?</p>
<p>I don’t think there’s any good reason to start your essay with a statement about people in general…it’s overdone and wastes space.</p>
<p>Right. That is a sort of lecturing tone I really dislike when it creeps in. Try not to make broad generalities. It just doesn’t work to switch from being a narrator to a first person.</p>